Shakespeare Under the Stars: The Stories, Chaos & Magic Behind Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival

On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Desile, Managing Producer, and Trent Stephens, Artistic Director of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival. From unforgettable live theater moments and behind-the-scenes stories to the importance of accessibility in the arts, this conversation explores how the festival has become a beloved cultural tradition in Palm Beach County for more than three decades. Elizabeth and Trent share their personal journeys into theater, the evolution of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival, and the magic that comes with performing Shakespeare outdoors under the stars. They also discuss the festival’s commitment to keeping performances free and accessible for all audiences, the impact of arts education through their Sharing Shakespeare program, and why live performance still matters in an increasingly digital world. Topics Covered: • 2:03 – The history and growth of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival • 3:43 – Trent Stephens’ journey into theater and the impact of mentors • 4:47 – Elizabeth Desile’s creative beginnings and early love of Shakespeare • 14:20 – Unexpected moments during live outdoor performances • 16:53 – A memorable on-stage wardrobe malfunction story • 23:21 – What it takes to sustain a free Shakespeare festival for over 30 years • 28:16 – Why the festival remains free and accessible to the public • 33:02 – The importance of live theater in a digital and AI-driven world • 39:17 – The unique community culture surrounding Shakespeare by the Sea • 42:16 – This summer’s world premiere production of Falstaff • 55:28 – Bringing Shakespeare into schools through the Sharing Shakespeare program The ArtiGras Podcast celebrates the artists and stories that bring Palm Beach North to life, revealing the creativity and heart behind our art community. Artists and Creative Professionals! 📣 For free resources and more insight into Palm Beach County’s arts scene, visit our sponsor’s site: https://www.palmbeachculture.com Love local stories and community leadership? Check out our sister series, the Palm Beach North Podcast, to stay updated with the future of Palm Beach County’s business community. Listen anywhere podcasts are found or visit palmbeachnorthpodcast.com! Check us out on social media! Instagram: ArtiGras: @artigras Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber Facebook: ArtiGras: /artigrasfineartsfestival Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber LinkedIn: Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber Website: To learn more about ArtiGras Podcast, visit: https://www.artigraspodcast.com Follow our Guests! To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com Follow our guests: Website: pbshakespeare.org Instagram: @pbshakespeare Facebook: Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival LinkedIn: Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival #ArtiGrasPodcast #PalmBeachShakespeare #ShakespeareByTheSea #PalmBeachArts #ArtsInPalmBeachCounty